xvii, 366 pages : 22 cm

Huntington examines the causes, processes, and prospects of democratization since 1974, years during which more than 30 countries abandoned authoritarian rule. Drawing material from both the Second and Third Worlds, he explains why there was such a burst of democratization in this brief period after several lean decades of democratization. As Huntington explains recent democratic movements and considers political variables, several surprising findings emerge: relatively few transitions to democracy were accompanied by high levels of violence, either in the transition period to democracy or in its later consolidation period. The author also reflects on the obstacles and opportunities confronting the new democracies, and places considerable responsibility on the ability of democratic elites to control the democratic destiny of their countries. ISBN 0-8061-2346-X: $24.95

Includes bibliographical references (pages 314-341) and index

1. What? -- 2. Why? -- 3. How? Processes of Democratization -- 4. How? Characteristics of Democratization -- 5. How Long? -- 6. Whither?

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